Posts Tagged ‘Yellowstone National Park’

As the snow begins to melt and I am hearing all the birds chirping throughout the day, I can’t help but dream about the wildflowers in bloom. No matter where I see wildflowers, they always seem to take my breath away, and cause me to stop and enjoy the moment. But, in my mind there is no comparison to the wildflowers in the Gros Ventre.

Jackson Hole, Grand Teton, and Yellowstone National Park are home to many spectacular sights and creatures; Goosewing Ranch is fortunate to be located in an area where we are surrounded by these things daily, and get a little of everything! Wildflowers will bloom during different times of the summer depending on the elevation. As you increase in elevation spring and summer can be slow to come into bloom, but as things dry in Jackson new life is forming in the mountains.
I have been fortunate enough to have ridden through many fields of wildflowers, and still the sheer beauty takes me by surprise… A feeling of happiness and peace just seems to rush through me when I crest a hillside to see all the colors of summer opened to the sun.

While at Goosewing Ranch you won’t want to miss the opportunity to horseback ride, and enjoy a picnic in a field full of lupine, Indian Paint Brush (Wyoming’s State flower), Columbine, and more. Not only are the flowers a beautiful sight and smell, but they also make for great photography opportunities. Different flowers are blooming at different elevations throughout the summer, but the prime time to view them close to the ranch is from late June until mid-August. The higher you venture the later you can see them. Visit Goosewing Ranch and get more than just a vacation get an experience that will live in your heart for years to come.

The sun is shining, the snow is melting, and it is time to get excited about summer time in Jackson Hole! Guest ranches have been around for generations, and are a great way to enjoy time with your family. With families comes kids, and with kids comes the fun! Goosewing Ranch has a great children’s program with lots of educational and entertaining activities.
We want the lil’ buckaroos on the ranch to have fun, and make lasting memories and friendships while experiencing ranching, western, and outdoor activities. We have different programs and activities for different age groups. Our kids program is designed for children ages 6 and up. We want to make sure everyone gets to try something new and experience life in western Wyoming style. All the activities are led by trained instructors.
A typical day in the Gros Ventre might consist first of the kids helping the wranglers groom and care for the horses, all while learning about horsemanship, saddling, and proper care. After tacking the horses, everyone will head out on the trail with picnic lunches in tow for a day of fun out in the Bridger-Teton National Forest, or Gros Ventre wilderness. Wranglers will lead different groups depending on ages and riding abilities. While out the groups will search for wildlife and make imprints of their tracks, learn about the local flora and fauna, and enjoy time playing trail games on the horses. Upon returning from their rides the kids can enjoy a swim in our outdoor heated pool and hot tub. After swimming there will be another scheduled activity. In true Wyoming spirit we have activities such as rifle shooting, archery, western arts and crafts, horse shoe tosses, water balloon tosses, and much more… After dinner and dessert kids can participate in a kickball game, line dancing, scavenger hunt, star gazing, fire building and roasting s’mores, or enjoy story telling about the local history, Yellowstone National Park, or mountain men, Native Americans, and cowboys. Each day there will be different rides and activities to choose from that will even keep teenagers entertained! Throughout their stay at the ranch the kids will enjoy lots of interaction with the horses and other ranch animals (steers, lambs, goats, chickens and a miniature donkey). Towards the end of the week there will be a day of wrangler and arena games where the kids can show off their roping, and riding skills in a mini rodeo. Certificates will be awarded to the cowboys and girls.
The goal of our kids program is to allow parents peace of mind knowing that their children of all ages are having fun in a safe and educational environment. We also want to provide experiences to the kids that they might not be able to get anywhere else. Hiking, horseback riding, swimming, making dream catchers, and learning different ways of having fun outdoors is just a small part of what we hope the buckaroos of all ages will enjoy. All activities are designed for family participation. Come and experience Goosewing Ranches western hospitality, and enjoy a vacation the whole family will love. Oh yeah…Mom and Dad, we have great activities for you as well… from fly fishing to relaxing at our spa, no one will be left out!

Our new website is live, the ranch is filling up, and my to do list is changing from winter projects to spring projects…so, I guess it is time for me to formally introduce myself. Howdy, I am Amy DeCarolis Worster…I am the one that has been sharing my thoughts, hints, and and stories about Goosewing Ranch and ranch life. I am also the General Manager for Goosewing Ranch.

I arrived in the Gros Ventre valley fresh out of college, and excited about a new beginning. What I didn’t know was that that new beginning would start with a 20 mile horse back ride to my new job as a wrangler. My truck broke down around lower Slide Lake, just out side the Grand Teton National Park boundary, and I did what any true cowgirl would do… No, I didn’t wave down the first passing vehicle; I unloaded my trusty horse, jumped on bareback and proceeded to my new job at Goosewing Ranch. Soon realizing that I should have looked at the map first…I didn’t realize that I was still about 20 miles from a hot shower, bed, and paycheck. Well, after riding by a few passing vehicles, and fighting off wild animals (just kidding) Sheela and I finally arrived at the most beautiful place in the West, Goosewing Ranch. I was greeted with some strange stares of fellow employees wondering if I rode this little mare all the way from Indiana. Now, Goosewing and the Jackson Hole area has become home for me and Sheela.

I have been with the ranch now for about 8 years, and have made not only lasting memories and friendships, but a life for myself that includes Goosewing Ranch. I married my best friend and partner in adventure last September on top of the mountain where we met 7 years ago, Monument Ridge. I truly enjoy showing off this beautiful area of Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton, Jackson Hole, and most of all the Bridger-Teton National forest and Gros Ventre Wilderness. I think there are times when I am more excited to show someone a spectacular mountain view on horseback than they are to see it. I am the proud momma of my four legged, pointy ear, dogs and horses, and couldn’t imagine life without them.

I hope that you will enjoy the information that will be shared, and find it helpful. Come visit the Ranch and let me show you, what I think, is the best of the West!

Its the lucky month of March and time to make those final plans for a summer vacation, and Goosewing Ranch has something to offer everyone… Jackson Hole is a spectacular place, and June is a great time of year to experience Wyoming. There is abundant wildlife, Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks are open, and the area is coming to life after a long winter season. We will give you more than a vacation, you will get an experience of a lifetime!

Celebrate Goosewing’s Opening (June 3 – 10):During the early part of June the Gros Ventre is full of life…Elk and Moose are calving, hawks and eagles are fishing in the open streams and lakes, bears are moving about, and Goosewing Ranch is OPEN!! Book your experience and vacation now for the week of June 3 – 10 and receive 40% OFF our peak season prices. While at the ranch you will be able to experience ranch life, ride horses, enjoy classic ranch dinning, and be able to help us give back to the Wyoming wilderness we love so much.

Photography and Wine Paring (June 10 – 17): When you are in an area as unique and beautiful as the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem it is key to capture your vacation on film. After a few days of photographing everything under the big Wyoming sky, there is no better way to relax than with wine that compliments good food. Book your stay at Goosewing Ranch from June 10 – 14 and receive insights from a Professional Photographer that we will have on hand. Enjoy all that the ranch has to offer while capturing your memories on film. Submit a few specified photos for the ranch to use to be entered into a contest; the winner will receive a FREE3 night stay for 2 in 2013. Book your stay at Goosewing Ranch from June 14 – 17 and we will provide you with a trained somelier to share knowledge of paring food and wine. Enjoy great food, and great wine from us during cocktail hour and dinner. You can also book a complete week from June 10 – 17 and enjoy a full week of ranch livin’ and culture!

Family Reunions/Group Getaways (June 17 – 24): Summertime is family reunion time. Book your family reunion or group getaway with Goosewing Ranch the week of June 17 – 24 and receive a discounted group rate up to 40% OFF (depending on group size). Goosewing Ranch has various activities to offer even the most diverse group. The horseback riding in the Bridger-Teton National Forest and Gros Ventre wilderness is practically endless. We have Polaris rangers for those looking to explore, hike, fish, photograph, tube the river, or just cruise the back roads. Plus, we have lots of other activities to keep even teenagers busy…target shooting, dancing, arts and crafts, and much more. We didn’t forget about Mom either, we also have a spa, sauna, hot tube, and heated pool. A getaway experience that everyone will love and enjoy!

Bond with each other, bond with nature (June 24 – July 1): Calling all Mothers and daughters, Fathers and sons, its time to get back to what matters and enjoy the company of each other. Book your vacation with Goosewing Ranch for the week of June 24 – July 1 and receive either a FREE overnight pack trip and numerous outdoor excursions for the boys, or 2 FREE massages and 10% off our spa menu for the ladies. Can’t stay the entire week…book a 3 or 4 night stay and receive 10% off our spa menu. Couples and other travelers welcome to book.

Please call 1-888-733-5251 or 1-307-733-5251 for more details. Space is limited… call now to experience the vacation special you are sure to never forget…

Well… what happened on a Jackson Hole ranch used to stay on the ranch, until the technology era took over. Now we get to share all of the Wild West stories with the world! We hope that all of our guests and employees have a positive experience while at the ranch…some just at the expensive of others. I hope you enjoy these fun tails, and remember cowboys and cowgirls are known for their story telling and fun antics.

As a wrangler the worst thing that could happen is to lose your horse. I not only lost my horse, I lost my very own personal horse that I have had since she was a baby. The situation is funny now, but at the time it was a bit intense. We were trying to make our way down one of the Gros Ventre mountains when a hail and lightning storm came out of nowhere. I was helping a lady dismount when her horse reared, and came down on my foot. I got the lady safely to the ground but had lost hold of my horse, Sheila. Sheila was standing there nicely when another guest ran up to grab her. She spooked and ran about 150 yards. Once everyone was safe and wearing their slickers I went to get her. The same guest ran up behind me asking to help, Sheila took one look at him and bolted again. I whistled to her, she turned, looked at me, and as to say sorry but I am going home, she bolted again. There I was left with a group of people, all on horses, and looking to me to lead them home in this storm. Faced with no slicker, no mount, and a long walk home… I did what any good wrangler would do… I knocked the closest person to me off their horse, and left them all out there to fend for themselves. No, I am just kidding… I tried to hide my embarrassment and bruised pride, and got them all back in line and started back down the trail, on foot, this is what we call hoof’ in it. Six miles into our seven mile trek home, another wrangler shows up to check on us, and rub some salt in my wounds. I sent this wrangler back to the ranch, because I was bound and determined to complete this ride/hike on my own. After arriving back at the ranch, I found my horse standing there. Now soaking wet, I untied my slicker from my saddle that my oh-so trusty mount took with her, and tried to pretend nothing happened. If you didn’t know, wet wrangler jeans, cowboy boots, and hiking just don’t mix. I received a lot of guff from my fellow wranglers, and had to by the bunk house beer for a week.

Another fun story involves a couple of our young buckaroos on the ranch. It was a warm summer day when a brother, and his sister were trying to work together and navigate their way across the Goosewing Ranch pond, when a WYOMING beaver popped up. The children were so excited they both leaned to the same side of the canoe. The canoe flips, and dumps them both into the water. The brother thinks it is funny and is horsing around out there teasing his sister, while his little sister is screaming that the beaver is going to eat them. Though this is funny, it gets better when hours later, after a shower, and awaiting dinner, the little sister lures her brother out by the pond to see if they can catch a glimpse of the beaver, this time from dry land. She gets him to the edge of the water, and points across the pond, just as he leans toward the pond she shoves him with all her might. He loses his balance, and falls head first into the mucky water. It wasn’t as fun for him this go around, now that he is wearing his last set of dry clean clothes, but his little sister couldn’t get enough!

There are many more fun stories to tell, from wranglers playing tricks with your tack, to waitresses hiding the housekeepers’ golf-cart. We would love to hear your Goosewing Ranch story, send it to us for a chance to win a “What Happens on the Ranch” t-shirt!

Come share this corner of North America’s wildest country with us! At Goosewing Ranch, we combine the Wyoming wilderness ranching lifestyle with many of the modern refinements in life. It’s sure to be an amazing, memorable “Dude Ranch” vacation here in amazing Jackson Hole!

Connect with us at Goosewing Ranch!

Our Website – http://goosewingranch.com

Facebook Community – https://www.facebook.com/GoosewingRanch

Twitter Handle – http://twitter.com/goosewingranch

YouTube Videos – http://www.youtube.com/goosewingranch

Blog – http://ranchstyleliving.wordpress.com/

“As the gateway to the Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is the epicenter of guest-ranch vacationing in North America. If one acknowledges that this is the area that sets the standard, then the Goosewing Ranch sets the gold standard.”

To many it might seem that skilled horseman (women) just jump on a horse, go, and make it look effortless…But there is an art to riding these magnificent creatures. Whether you are riding bareback in the Wyoming mountains, on a trail ride through Yellowstone or Grand Teton National Park, or galloping through the country side somewhere else, the bond between humans and horses is unbreakable!

Horseback riding isn’t about breaking the beast; it is about becoming a part of that animal, and working together. Riding a horse is like trying to communicate with someone when neither speaks the same language. You must overcome insecurities, boundaries, and give each other the respect deserved. When we speak of communicating with horses it isn’t in words. It is in body language, movement, and pressure. I find it absolutely amazing that these massive animals will let us on their backs. If you look at it from the horse’s perspective, we are predators, and they are the prey. Their natural instinct should be fight or flight when they see us approach, however, they are trusting, and forgiving animals.

It takes a lifetime to truly understand horses, one is never too old to learn from a horse, or become a better horseman. How do we get a 1000+ pound animal to do what we want? First of all, we are not teaching horses anything that they don’t already have the skill, and natural design to do. We are simply asking them to correctly use their body, and do a certain task when we ask. Horses respond to pressure, and reward. Ask a horse to move to the left by putting pressure on the right, and reward the movement be removing the pressure.

Horses and humans have been communicating, and working together for centuries. We both have evolved and adapted to one another. Life in Jackson Hole without horses would be no life for me. The bond between human and horse is strong. It has been said that the cowboy who didn’t cry at his friends funeral, wept when his horse passed away. Horses teach us more than we could ever teach them. Humans have tried to break the horses’ spirit, but horses have seen into our soul and strengthened our spirit.

Come form a lasting bond, and experience the spirit of the horse first hand at Goosewing Ranch. You’ll never forget your first horseback ride in the Gros Ventre!

Come share this corner of North America’s wildest country with us! At Goosewing Ranch, we combine the Wyoming wilderness ranching lifestyle with many of the modern refinements in life. It’s sure to be an amazing, memorable “Dude Ranch” vacation here in amazing Jackson Hole!

Connect with us at Goosewing Ranch!

Our Website – http://goosewingranch.com

Facebook Community – https://www.facebook.com/GoosewingRanch

Twitter Handle – http://twitter.com/goosewingranch

YouTube Videos – http://www.youtube.com/goosewingranch

Blog – http://ranchstyleliving.wordpress.com/

“As the gateway to the Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is the epicenter of guest-ranch vacationing in North America. If one acknowledges that this is the area that sets the standard, then the Goosewing Ranch sets the gold standard.”

Your BIG vacation is here, you have saved for this, planned for this, and been looking forward to this for a long time. You awake with excitement before your alarm even sounds, just to find out… your flight has been delayed, your mother is sick, or something else has happened, and you are going to have to miss at least part of you treasured Wyoming vacation. What comes to mind…NO REFUNDS, missed time with family, missing activities you have been looking forward, no Yellowstone, and all that money you have spent on this trip.

Vacations are times that will live in our memories for years to come, and for many of us we don’t get to take enough of them. We all know too well that anything can happen between the booking stage and the actual trip itself. This is way purchasing travel insurance can be beneficial. Travel insurance is relatively affordable and it gives you peace of mind when spending thousands of dollars on your vacation.

Travel insurance can cover things like…missed flights, unexpected hotel expenses, weather delays, terrorist acts, hospital visits, missed vacation time because of personal or family/traveler illnesses or accidents, and much more. Travel Guard is a company that has travel insurance designed for the Dude Ranch vacationers. Click here http://bit.ly/AvWKg0 for more information.

We at Goosewing Ranch recommend travel insurance because you should always expect the unexpected, and we know how valuable your time away from home is. Peace of mind for both before and during your travels. We wish you many safe and successful vacations!

Come share this corner of North America’s wildest country with us! At Goosewing Ranch, we combine the Wyoming wilderness ranching lifestyle with many of the modern refinements in life. It’s sure to be an amazing, memorable “Dude Ranch” vacation here in amazing Jackson Hole!

“As the gateway to the Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is the epicenter of guest-ranch vacationing in North America. If one acknowledges that this is the area that sets the standard, then the Goosewing Ranch sets the gold standard.”100 Best Ranch Vacations In North America

Goosewing Ranch is excited to be involved with the Dude Ranchers Association, or the DRA. We recently returned from the DRA convention in Cody– where we met and mingled with fellow “dude ranchers”.

The DRA has been around since 1926. Being a part of such a great organization brings us pride. To become a member – the ranch must go through a two year inspection and approval process. All DRA ranch members are required to represent the highest quality of western hospitality, while ensuring that all guests have a wonderful western ranch experience. DRA ranches are also kept to the highest safety standards.

It was nice to get off the ranch and enjoy Cody Wyoming in January. We enjoyed the company of our fellow ranchers – and shared knowledge of the industry, and of course good cheer! We visited the Buffalo Bill Historical Center, the DRA headquarters at the Heritage Center, and other historic hotels. Cody Wyoming is a wonderful place… It is full of history, great hospitality, and located just outside the East entrance of Yellowstone National Park. From wild mustangs to big horn sheep – Cody also has amazing opportunities for viewing wildlife.

Throughout the convention we enjoyed guest speakers from all around. Some spoke about horse safety, and how to better prepare our wranglers for the summer, others about marketing and the latest trends. We also meet with different venders that all have our guests’ best interest in mind. They shared information on products such as cozy towels and linens, belt buckles and souvenirs, as well as travel insurance. (Look for our next blog on travel insurance).

The core principles of the Dude Ranchers Association are the “6 H’s”: Horses, Hats, Hospitality, Heritage, Honesty, and Heart. Each one of the previous words beginning with “H” represent what dude and guest ranches are about. Though our guests’ expectations have changed over the years, and we have evolved with them, the core principles of dude ranching remain the same.

We hope that with Goosewing Ranch being a part of this great association we can provide our guests with the best possible experience. Remember dude ranches aren’t only about horses and rustic cabins; they offer many adventurous outdoor activities, classic culinary experiences, and modern amenities. Come and let us share with you our passion for horses, hats, hospitality, and adventure, all while making lasting memories.

Come share this corner of North America’s wildest country with us! At Goosewing Ranch, we combine the Wyoming wilderness ranching lifestyle with many of the modern refinements in life. It’s sure to be an amazing, memorable “Dude Ranch” vacation here in amazing Jackson Hole!

For those of us at Goosewing Ranch once the snow starts accumulating, we start closing up shop. Just because Goosewing is closed during the winter months doesn’t mean the Gros Ventre valley isn’t booming with life. For many species, the Gros Ventre is a good place to call home for the winter.

As one might imagine winter in Wyoming can be brutal. Now think what it might be like if you had to dig through a foot of snow every time you needed a meal. The Gros Ventre might border Grand Teton National Park, but surviving out here is no walk in the park. Elk don’t have the luxury of putting on a winter snow suit to stay warm, or opening the refrigerator for a meal. They must use their front legs and paw at the snow until they dig deep enough to find the grasses underneath. This will usually burn as much energy as they receive from the meal. Though the Gros Ventre valley will see extremely cold temperatures, and high winds throughout the winter, it typically receives less snow fall than some of the surrounding mountain ranges. Lighter snow pack and abundant grasses from the summer make this area a wonderful place to spend the winter, that is, if you‘re an elk.

Life isn’t easy being an elk – you have to deal with weather and deep snow packs, you need to avoid wolves, and be healthy enough to fight off diseases. Finding an appropriate place to winter is the difference between life and death. Ranchers have been feeding elk in the Jackson Hole area for close to 100 years. This still holds true today in the Gros Ventre. The Gros Ventre valley is home to 3 out of the state’s 22 elk feeding areas. It makes sense to supplement feeding for them here since elk are naturally drawn to this area. About 3500-4500 elk will spend the winter around Goosewing Ranch, and the feed grounds. That number varies depending on the amount of snow fall in the area. There is a lot of controversy about feeding the elk, but, right or wrong, it is wonderful to see them in our backyard.

_____________________________________________________________________
Come share this corner of North America’s wildest country with us! At Goosewing Ranch, we combine the Wyoming wilderness ranching lifestyle with many of the modern refinements in life. It’s sure to be an amazing, memorable “Dude Ranch” vacation here in amazing Jackson Hole!

“As the gateway to the Yellowstone and Grand Teton Parks, Jackson Hole, Wyoming, is the epicenter of guest-ranch vacationing in North America. If one acknowledges that this is the area that sets the standard, then the Goosewing Ranch sets the gold standard.”100 Best Ranch Vacations In North America